Overnight Sitter

[osumegs]

I don't think it is out of line to give them a breakdown of how bedtime routine goes, what and when to feed, any special routines or preferencea, etc. Even though they have raised kids, no one was exactly like your baby. Plus, it's been awhile and some things have changed. Having a guideline list may make them feel much more at ease, too.

As far as your anxiety, this may help, too. That way you know they have a reference page to take care of major questions that may arise. You aren't crazy for worrying, that just makes you a good mom who cares about her kid. But I'm sure your in laws will be fine. They have experience with kids and love their grand baby! Let yourself have this night away to enjoy the wedding if you want.

[Deleted]

We left DD overnight with the inlaws for the first time last weekend. I was nervous; it was fine.

Definitely give them instructions. It's not out of line at all. They've raised two children, but 1) your child is a different child and 2) that was quite some time ago. I gave instructions and just framed it all as this is what DD likes/responds to, this is our established routine for bedtime, we prefer to do X. So it's not "here's how to take care of a baby," but here's how to take care of THIS baby."

Then you have to just let go and know that some things may go differently, and that's okay.

The things I told them were how LO likes to be soothed, when we do or do not go into her room if she wakes up, when and how much she will eat, bedtime routine. I think that's it. I asked MIL to text me when DD had fallen asleep and that helped me relax a lot. She also texted in the morning with a photo when she was having her bottle.

MIL babysits a lot during the day, so she's very familiar with LO. I might have given more instructions if that weren't the case.

It's going to be fine! It'll be harder on you than anyone else. And then you'll be through it and looking forward to the next time. Also, seeing LO after a night apart was so great.

[emilyz320]

You will be ok - go and have fun! I don't think it's out of line to leave instructions. I always leave a little note for the inlaws or anyone else who watches dd. Just a little outline of her routine - eating, sleeping. You could also write down tips to sooth lo or things lo likes/doesn't like.

[osumegs]

I saw this list when I Googled
www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.mommytracked.com/infantbabysitter_formMT.pdf&ved=0CF4QFjAHahUKEwipyPrJgK_HAhVLqR4KHbB5Ac0&usg=AFQjCNGVtZ6xhil0N-XbqEND6TyQxkh6uA&sig2=7fKWA6-spRbL8ADv-I1hKQ

Also, mil probably understands where you're coming from since she has been there before.

[missys]

osumegs This is amazing! I just stole it, thank you! !

[MapleMomma]

I also agree with everyone else. My MIL prefers instructions and asks for them! Totally not out of line, but it is ok to leave and go have fun!

[mishka29]

Have fun!'

[toadandbuggie]

First of all - Yay, go have fun!!

I know exactly what you are talking about though. I've had to leave LO a bunch of times but not overnight with IL's or my mom, just H. It's hard, especially the first time I was freaking out when I was gone for just 2 hours, but I finally realized there was nothing to stress about. Stressing was just ruining my good time and the "break" I could be having. Even if their schedule isn't followed EXACTLY, your LO will be just fine.

Really, take advantage of the time that you can leave when he doesn't realize you are gone. Just ask IL's to send some updates like "In bed!" so that you know he's not like crying his eyes out all night or something.

[seamonster]

I would give instructions. Your baby is different and it's been a long time since they've had a baby. I'd remind them of safety things like back to sleep in addition to how bedtime goes and feeding and soothing and playing.

My coworker was telling me that his infant granddaughter loves him because he gives her ice cream against his daughter's instructions. So you aren't out of line telling them exactly what needs to happen.

[Deleted]

Aug 17, 2015 12:58:38 GMT -5 seamonster said:

I would give instructions. Your baby is different and it's been a long time since they've had a baby. I'd remind them of safety things like back to sleep in addition to how bedtime goes and feeding and soothing and playing.

My coworker was telling me that his infant granddaughter loves him because he gives her ice cream against his daughter's instructions. So you aren't out of line telling them exactly what needs to happen.

Oh yeah, those safety things are important too. I know my MIL knows them (I've witnessed her with her 7 (!) other grandchildren before LO arrived), and follows them so they aren't on my list of things to bring up but they are important. I mentioned the back to sleep thing to my mom when LO was born, and she had no idea. She hadn't put a baby to sleep since me, so why would she know?

seamonster, your coworker! That is so not okay.

[greenpony33]

We just left DS for the first time overnight with my parents this weekend so I know your anxiety! One thing that helped a ton was that my mom texted us pictures throughout the night and morning with a little snippet of what they were doing, that helped ease my anxiety a lot. He was excited to see us and he did sleep a lot on Sunday once we picked him up, apparently his Mema wore him out Lol.. Good luck and have fun!